Drone maker DJI has taken the wraps off its newest product, the Mavic Air 2. Representing quite an upgrade over its predecessor, the new Mavic Air 2 stands out with its new 48MP camera sensor, OcuSync 2.0 wireless connectivity, Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 3.0, and AirSense safety warning system
Better cameras for better photos and video
It’s the Mavic Air 2’s new ‘Quad Bayer’ 48MP camera that will appeal to drone operators the most – using pixel binning as seen in several smartphones over the past year, this normally captures images at 12MP but can also be used at full resolution. DJI has also added a new 8K Hyperlapse mode, although normal video resolution remains capped at 4K. But the upgraded camera’s true strengths really come through thanks to the addition of 7-exposure HDR, automatic scene recognition, and the Hyperlight low-light mode which uses multi-frame image processing to generate well-lit photographs while keeping a lid on the noise.
Greater range and flight time
But while the upgraded photo capabilities of the Mavic Air 2 might be the highlight of DJI’s latest drone, its flying capabilities have also seen a major upgrade. There are new motors, new speed controllers, a new battery, and an upgraded aerodynamic profile, all of which adds up for a maximum flying time of 34 minutes (versus the Mavic Air’s 21 minutes). DJI also says the use of its dual-band OcuSync 2.0 wireless tech gives the Mavic Air 2 a range of 10km, which represents a major upgrade over its predecessor’s 4km range.
Advanced tracking and safety for pro-flyers
Other safety and flying features that drone operators will appreciate (especially with countries across the globe regulating drone flights more strictly than ever), include FocusTrack, which DJI describes as its most advanced tracking system yet. This includes ActiveTrack 3.0 obstacle avoidance, Point of Interest 3.0 subject tracking, and Spotlight 2.0, which locks the subject in the frame during manual flight operation. DJI has also included pre-programmed video-and-flight maneuvers, which should offer content creators one-click access to advanced video techniques as well.
Safety is further enhanced thanks to APAS 3.0, which uses 3D mapping and obstacle avoidance to let pilots focus on video creation even during tricky maneuvers in difficult environments. And finally, the Mavic Air 2 becomes DJI’s first drone to utilize AirSense, which uses signals from ADS-B transponders on aircraft to display their positions and even warn drone operators if they’re too close to aircraft.
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is now on sale in China, with other regions expected to start shipping in mid-May. Buyers can choose between the standard package (USD799), or the Fly More package (USD988), which adds a shoulder bag, ND filters, charging hub, and 3 batteries.
